Mangaluru rings so true, rooted in Tulunadu history: Dist name change gets support

Mangaluru: The campaign to rename Dakshina Kannada as Mangaluru district is getting widespread support, especially across social media platforms, leaders from parties and individuals.

However, not everyone agrees. Opponents say symbolic renaming will do little to address more pressing challenges — rising communal issues, youth unemployment and job-related migration.

The historical relevance of the name ‘Mangaluru’ dates back centuries. Inscriptions found at Maruturu in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh made a mention of ‘Mangalapura,’ believed by scholars to be present-day Mangaluru. An inscription from 598–599 CE during the Alupa reign also has reference to the same name.

Those who support the renaming argue that ‘Dakshina Kannada’ lacks visibility beyond Karnataka, whereas ‘Mangaluru’ has evolved into a recognisable brand — seen in the naming of the international airport, railway stations, port, industrial enterprises like MRPL and MCF, Smart City project and leading educational institutions. They believe renaming the district will align its identity with its economic and cultural epicentre, giving it stronger recognition, nationally and globally.

Before linguistic reorganisation of states, Dakshina Kannada was part of South Canara parliamentary constituency, which included regions now in Kerala such as Kasaragod.

During the 1951 elections, the district was under the Madras Presidency, divided into South Canara (North) and South Canara (South).

In the 1957 elections, the area (including Kodagu) was officially named the Mangalore constituency— a title it retained until the 2008 delimitation, when it was renamed Dakshina Kannada.

Historian Tukaram Poojary said, “The name Mangaluru has historical reference and represents the region well. Also, Tulu is one of the oldest among the Pancha Dravidian languages. Those fighting for renaming the district should also fight to include Tulu in 8th Schedule of the Constitution”.

Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza has called for formal discussions. 

“There is political and social consensus. The global recognition of the name Mangaluru must be harnessed,” he said.

Mangalore City South MLA D Vedavyasa Kamath, convener of Mangaluru District Tulupara Horata Samiti, said the name ‘South Canara’ was introduced during colonial rule, with ‘Dakshina Kannada’ replacing it after independence.

“This region, traditionally known as Tulunadu, has no historical connection to Dakshina Kannada,” he said. 

The recent District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting, chaired by Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, passed a resolution to request the state government to rename the district.

The Mangaluru Jille Tulupara Horata Samiti — which includes members from Congress, BJP and other organisations has committed to taking the demand forward. 

Instead, ‘Mangaluru’ appears consistently in historical contexts, including during the Vijayanagar empire. 

CPM district secretary Muneer Katipalla dismissed the renaming exercise as unnecessary. He said stalwarts like Shivaram Karanth, Manjeshwara Govinda Pai, Panje Mangesh Rao, and U S Mallya never saw the need for such a change in their time.